Chopping wood by hand

An arborist chopped some trees onsite and left some large logs. I need to cut these logs to fit a stove.

Anyone have any suggestions for wood-chopping equipment, without having to purchase a chainsaw?

Any technique suggestions would be helpful also.

Thanks.

seamus

Depends on the size of the logs. Anything up to a foot in diameter and you'll get through them handy enough with a bow saw.

Measure the width of the stove and cut the logs into pieces 3-5cm smaller so they'll fit in the stove.

Then use an an axe to split the pieces along their length. Even if the logs are small enough to fit in the stove without being split, they'll dry better if you split them.

Store them somewhere dry and off the ground. If you want to cover them, do it loosely; a tarpaulin sheet will slow down the drying.

They'll be ready for burning next Summer.

finnyob

A good chainsaw from your local tool hire would see you well on your way, don't forget ear protection, gloves, safety glasses and chainsaw pants. A small cost that will save you time and physical pain (unless you really do something wrong).

Once the logs are cut down to cross section length suitable for the size of your stove, you can go at them with a splitting maul/axe by hand. This is easiest when the logs are still wet. Or since you may have discovered the joys of tool hire, you could hire a log splitter to finish them off.

When stacking them for drying, keep them raised up off the ground using old pallets or such, and alternate the direction of logs for each layer in the stack to aid airflow for the drying process. They'll dry best where there is shelter from the elements and good airflow. The longer you leave them to dry, the easier they will burn and the better for your stove, less black smoke = less cleaning of the glass needed.

Invest in a small hatchet to chop some of the logs into kindling as well. When you're lighting the stove, make sure the draught is open, layer crumpled up newspaper followed by kindling, followed by a log or two then put a match to the paper. Firelighters shouldn't really be necessary to get you going.